SLU Faculty Member Receives Emerson's Excellence in Teaching Award
Christina Garcia, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish at Saint Louis University, was recently recognized for her teaching prowess. The annual Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area for their leadership in and passion for teaching, contributions to student learning, and knowledge and creativity.
Garcia has taught at SLU for nine years. She teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in Spanish.
Garcia said she was honored to be recognized for her teaching.
“It is an incredible feeling to be part of a list of outstanding educators across all levels and across the St. Louis metropolitan area and to reflect on our collective impact on students,” she said. “Receiving this honor is also very motivating to keep doing this work, despite the challenges we are facing in higher education.”
On the nomination form, Garcia was described as a passionate person who cares deeply about students, teaching and mentoring. She was described as a “perfect teacher” and someone who “exemplifies what is best about the SLU faculty.”
“I think one of the aspects that sets SLU faculty apart is the level of care for students as individuals,” she said. “SLU faculty take time to get to know their students and their advice and guidance goes beyond the classroom. In thinking about how I exemplify this, I cannot help but think about the educators I have had in my life who have shaped me into the professional and person I am today. I have been asked from time to time why I care so much about my students, and my answer is always that I am emulating how my professors and mentors showed me extraordinary care and dedication throughout my academic journey. I see myself as paying forward their investment in me, and I can only hope that my students will carry on this same devotion to others in their future careers and lives.”
Garcia said the best part about teaching is working with the students at SLU.
“My favorite thing about teaching is being able to build relationships with my students and be a sounding board as they discover their passions and career paths,” she said. “It is incredible to see years down the road the impact of a connection or conversation. The potential to impact students comes with great responsibility but at the same time is very inspiring. I feel extremely fortunate to work with such thoughtful and dedicated students and getting to accompany them in their academic and personal journeys is what truly motivates me.”